New SHIPS Act Legislation Aims to Revamp U.S. Shipbuilding Industry
The U.S. maritime and shipbuilding sectors are facing significant challenges, particularly in competition with China. In response, lawmakers have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at revitalizing these crucial industries. The proposed Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security for America Act, commonly referred to as the SHIPS Act, seeks to establish a national maritime strategy and enhance the country’s maritime security capabilities. This legislation is a pivotal step toward ensuring that the U.S. can effectively compete on the global stage.
Key Provisions of the SHIPS Act
The SHIPS Act outlines several important measures designed to strengthen the U.S. maritime industry. One of the primary goals of the legislation is to create a national maritime strategy. This strategy would include the appointment of a maritime security advisor who would serve on the White House National Security Council. This position is intended to elevate maritime issues within the broader context of national security.
Additionally, the bill aims to increase the number of U.S.-flagged vessels in international commerce. Specifically, it calls for the addition of 250 ships to the U.S. fleet within the next decade. This initiative is part of a broader effort to establish a Strategic Commercial Fleet Program. Currently, the U.S. has fewer than 200 oceangoing vessels, with only about 80 actively participating in international trade. In contrast, China boasts over 5,500 documented vessels. By bolstering the U.S. fleet, the SHIPS Act aims to reduce reliance on foreign vessels and enhance the nation’s shipping capabilities.
The bill has garnered support from lawmakers across party lines, including Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) and Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.). They emphasize that the U.S. must regain its footing in the maritime sector to ensure economic security and job creation. The SHIPS Act represents a significant commitment to revitalizing shipbuilding and shipping in the United States.
Workforce Development and Future Prospects
A critical aspect of the SHIPS Act is its focus on workforce development within the maritime sector. The legislation recognizes the need for a skilled workforce to support the growing demands of shipbuilding and maritime operations. To address this, the bill mandates that the head of the U.S. Maritime Administration submit a report within six months of the legislation’s enactment. This report will analyze the requirements of maritime academies to boost enrollment and produce more qualified mariners.
Sal Mercogliano, a former Military Sealift Command mariner and associate professor of history at Campbell University, has praised the bill for its emphasis on workforce development. He notes that this is the first significant maritime reform since the Merchant Marine Act of 1970, highlighting the long-overdue need for change in the industry. By encouraging more individuals to attend state maritime academies, the SHIPS Act aims to create a robust pipeline of skilled workers.
Moreover, Mercogliano believes that revitalizing the commercial shipbuilding sector will have positive ripple effects on U.S. Navy shipbuilding. A stable commercial industrial base will reduce the fluctuations in hiring and firing that often accompany government contracts. This stability is essential for maintaining a skilled workforce capable of meeting both commercial and military shipbuilding needs.
Tthe SHIPS Act represents a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges facing the U.S. maritime sector. By focusing on strategic initiatives and workforce development, lawmakers aim to ensure that the United States remains competitive in the global maritime landscape.
